India's nuke science capability second to none, says Jitendra Singh

Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh has said India's capability in nuclear science is second to none in the world.

Addressing the country's top scientists here on Friday, Singh said India is rapidly progressing into high technology zone as far as technical know-how and research in the field of nuclear energy is concerned.

"I can say with this fair amount of confidence that India's capability in nuclear science and atomic science is second to none in the world," said Singh.

Singh also recalled great scientist Homi Bhabha's vision which said India's nuclear capability is for peaceful purposes, which was then believed by few.

"What is unique about India's nuclear programme is that this is a programme which is specifically, particularly, primarily devoted to social relevance and to peaceful purposes," he added.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim to advance the purchase of massive nuclear reactors and fuel from France and Canada, Singh said the former has engaged himself in deliberations to promote the scientific research back home.

Modi has made nuclear power a key element of his clean energy strategy, and in January announced a "breakthrough" pact with U.S. President Barack Obama to help clear a logjam of stalled projects.

India needs foreign nuclear technology and fuel to ramp up capacity by a planned 14 times from 4,560 megawatts over the next two decades.

For decades it was shut out of nuclear trade because of its weapons program but a 2008 agreement with the United States gave it access to foreign suppliers without giving up arms that are primarily meant as a deterrent against nuclear-armed China.